Word to the Wise: Writing Advice You'll Actually Use

I read books 📚 for a living. (Dream. Come. True.) I’m a book coach and editor, so, okay, fine, I’m not over here leisurely flipping through books while I’m sipping my go-to chocolate banana protein smoothie. 🥤 The ol’ sip ‘n flip. (Kinda like swish and flick. Or bend and snap.) I’m carefully reading for things like flow, pacing, inconsistencies, authority, and opportunities to pump up the author’s voice, even though it totally looks like I’m cozily squirreled away in my introvert book nook. I work with first-time authors (established authors, too), who are working on a nonfiction manuscript and could use a manuscript assessment, query letter review, developmental editing, the whole book coaching enchilada… Especially if they’re writing a compelling, voice-driven prescriptive nonfiction manuscript with a sense of humor. (Sarcasm also welcome very welcome.) Some wonderful things super cool people have said about working with me on their writing projects and books: 🗣️ Rowena said, "Waking up to your kind and intelligent emails has meant the world to me… Above and beyond does not even begin to cover it.” 🗣️ Floretta said, “I am so grateful for Tracie… I want everyone to know how great she was to work with. Her suggestions definitely made me a better writer.” 🗣️ Lori said, “My deepest gratitude for all your guidance and encouragement! I feel tremendously fortunate to have you supporting me through this process!” 🗣️ Deb said, “It was such a challenging project from the jump; I didn’t realize how proud I would feel about all the work that went into it when I held the book in my hands. I didn’t think it was possible… You were able to make some parts way better than just less sucky.” 🗣️ Emily said, “I'm honestly so excited and humbled by where you've helped me get to. I'm especially chuffed about the discussion guide. What a gift! Thank you! It's brilliant!” 🗣️ Perhaps most importantly of all, BettyAnn exclaimed, “You’re fun!” Oh, and in case you were innocently wondering what my creds are, allow me to drop some bullet points on ya: ✅ Worked as a copy editor for a small, niche publishing house ✅ Served as the managing editor for an online academic journal (Ambrose Bierce, anyone? No. Seriously. Anyone?!) ✅ Put in 10+ years in the marketing and public relations industries (I wrote biz development proposals…so…yeah…skills transfer much?) ✅ Rockin’ beaucoup de professional, academic, and personal writing and editing experience And when I’m not reading books, I’m…uhhh…reading other books (mostly in the mystery and thriller genres). But also balancing throwing around some dumbbells with surrendering to savasana, keeping tabs on all the neighborhood animals (ask me about the peacocks…🦚), and getting my money’s worth outta my professional-grade blender.

Feeling stuck in your creative process or overwhelmed by the pressures of running a business? You’re not alone. Many creative entrepreneurs struggle with turning their passion into consistent, enjoyable action. I help people like you transform your approach to creativity by making it fun, actionable, and an essential part of everyday life. Whether you’re juggling multiple projects, managing a business, or simply looking to reignite your creative spark, the key is to integrate creativity into your daily routine in a way that doesn’t feel like a chore—but like play.Ready to unlock a more fulfilling, vibrant creative journey? Discover your unique Creative Archetype with our bonus quiz. Let’s make fun and creativity not just a habit, but a way of life!

Essential knowledge about scholarly book publishing that every author should have. Get weekly tips on writing and publishing your scholarly book from developmental editor and publishing consultant Laura Portwood-Stacer, PhD.

The Equipt Women Newsletter is a twice-monthly newsletter focused on helping aspiring women grow and advance their careers.